Mad May all the way

Well we are nearly into June already & this month has been certainly lived up to the name of Mad May.

We started the month off with our first Chilli Festival of the year, Eastnor Castle Chilli Festival.

The chillies grace the entrance to the Castle Courtyard

Sarah hopefully enjoying the atmosphere she's worked hard to create

This was our fifth year at this event (trading at the last three) & it has to be one of our favourites, for so many reasons.  Firstly it’s a very well organised event; trust me that makes all the difference, so many events leave things to the last minute & almost to luck; not the case with Sarah (pictured on right) & her team

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Nick on the Stall with the Devil's Testicles

Secondly the atmosphere is brilliant, regardless of the weather. Plenty of things to entertain the children (young & old!). Thirdly the location; the setting is stunning, the grounds are beautiful to walk around (Cascabel the Chillee Dog, thoroughly enjoyed herself), also there’s the castle itself & the local area of Ledbury is very hospitable too.  This one really kick starts the Chilli festival season & we will definitely be back next year.

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It was where our Special Edition Extra Hot Pickled Eggs “Devil’s Testicles” was launched.  Well they were certainly a talking point!  Even the event staff came down to have a look, as only available at the Chilli Festivals; probably a little risqué for the normal farmer’s market audience.

Special Edition Extra Hot Pickled Eggs “Devil’s Testicles”

Once home all the planting on of the chillies begins in earnest, going from the comfort of beginning indoors under lights & over heat, they are moved into the greenhouse on heat mats. 

Chillies moving to the Polytunnel

We aren’t a huge concern, but there are still around 300 plants to tend to, plus some that we are growing for display plants for us & the Hix Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis.  Plus there are a few plants that Nick wants to try out to see how they grow & what their flavour is like.  Generally more than we need, so there will be occasions at farmers markets & events that we may have some for sale.
At the end of the month they then moved to their permanent home in the Polytunnel.  That night the wonderful little fluffy bunnies decided to munch on them, bless their little cotton tails! Lost some, but fortunately have a good few spare, phew!  Anyone fancy rabbit stew, nicely marinade with chilli ;)

This year we have decided not to enter any awards, as they are expensive & subject to whether the person trying actually can handle chilli or not.  We found out that we were nominated for the 2016 Somerset - Muddy Stilettos Awards.  Therefore being nominated for awards by public vote is very special, thank you to all of you who voted for us, it means a lot.

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 To end the month, we were at the Burnham-on-Sea Food Festival, where once again we welcomed back returning holiday makers & locals alike. Next to our good friend Joy from Sea Spring Seeds, always works so well, as Joy is selling chilli plants in the varieties we use in our products.  Joy is also so very knowledgeable about all things chilli growing, so you can never fail to learn something.  If you ever get a chance to go to one of their open days or course, do; you won’t regret it.
Well that’s pretty much May in a nutshell, so what’s happening in June; well who knows?  Hopefully no bunny attacks, but the things we have planned are our regular Farmers’ Markets every Thursday at Taunton, last Friday at Langport, Wiveliscombe once a month & Somerton 1st Friday of the month.  Plus a few events from Wellington Street Fair on Sunday 5th, Bishops Palace Garden Festival on 10th-12th, West Country Food & Living Show 12th, Big Rural Event  17th, Bridport Food Festival, SomerFest in Taunton & Reading Chilli Festival all on Sat 18th, Walled Garden Summer Fair in Cannington 19th.

We hope we’ll see you at one of the events in June, if not then somewhere this summer.
 
Enjoy the sunshine & chilli of course.
 
With love,
 
Mrs C x